Allowing federal employees to work from home can deepen government agencies’ understanding of communities’ needs and create economic opportunities for local residents.

In a commentary in the Daily Yonder, Christopher Chavis argues that remote work, contrary to the beliefs of some political leaders, makes for a stronger, more knowledgeable, and more skillful federal workforce and benefits rural communities.
In Chavis’ view, remote work decentralizes power and empowers rural communities by opening up federal roles to more people. “Remote work made it possible for individuals in rural areas to take on roles previously limited to urban centers, thus giving them greater influence within the federal bureaucracy.”
Remote work and technology have, says Chavis, also boosted collaboration. “A person in Claremont, New Hampshire, can work in real-time with someone in Claremont, California. This means that people from both urban and rural communities can collaborate seamlessly, bringing diverse perspectives to the table.”
These benefits come in addition to more tangible effects such as higher incomes and access to job opportunities for young people who want to stay in their rural communities.
Most importantly, Chavis writes that remote work allows federal workers to remain in touch with their communities and ensure fairness when it comes to grant reviews and other bureaucratic processes.
FULL STORY: Commentary: Remote Work Empowers Rural Workforce and Strengthens Federal Government

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie